The developer and investor behind Bradford’s new shopping centre have announced that three companies have been signed up for its food court.

Westfield and Meyer Bergman said that KFC, Burger King and Hey Potato will take space in the £260m Broadway shopping centre. Burger King has not been in the city centre for many years and Hey Potato is new to Bradford.

There will be seven units in the food court, plus adjoining restaurants in the centre.

Discussions are also under way with other national and local food and restaurant companies to take the other four units.

Westfield said demand was high with further announcements expected shortly.

Westfield's director of operations Bill Giouroukos said: “The new food court operators add to the impressive portfolio of retailers that have signed up to the scheme and will help to cement Broadway Bradford’s position as a key strategic location for leading UK and international brands.

“We’re delighted at the progress we’ve made in 2014, with construction having commenced at the start of the year and exciting retailers signing up to the scheme.”

Bradford Council leader, councillor David Green, said: "Food courts are a really important element of any shopping centre so we're pleased to hear this announcement from Westfield that several major food retailers have signed up with others in the pipeline. It all demonstrates how much this development is progressing."

The owner of Hey Potato, Bharat Patel, said the company was looking forward to expanding to the city.

He said: “Our concept is young, healthy and fun and in our experience appeals to all. We are looking forward to entering a new market and introducing fresh new customers to our brand.”

A spokesman for KFC said: “We're always keen to open restaurants in the best possible areas to meet consumer demand and we're delighted to confirm that we will be opening in the new Westfield centre.

"We would like to reassure our customers that our Tyrrel Street restaurant will also remain open for the foreseeable future, and while no decision has yet been made about the long-term future of the store, we would relocate all staff if we did take the decision to close."

The signings were welcomed by the chief executive of Bradford Breakthrough, which represents 32 private and public organisations in the city.

Colin Philpott said: "I am pleased to see Westfield making progress on developing the food offer within their new centre. This all helps to build the variety and choice available to people working in, and visiting, Bradford.”

Bradford Breakthrough is working to encourage more restaurants into the city and is hosting its A Taste of Bradford event on March 27, which Westfield is sponsoring.

“Restaurant operators from all over the country have been invited to Bradford that day to see for themselves the opportunities and incentives available to open in the city centre,” Mr Philpott said.